Desuri Block: FED is implementing the DoosraDashakproject in Desuri since January 2007. It has worked in 41revenue villages in 14Gram Panchayats. DD’s interventions have targeted the most backward areas and marginalized populations and benefitted4,632 adolescentsthrough its various activities. DD has worked in close partnership with local government to improve functionality of schools and ensure that entitlements of development/welfare programmes reach the underprivileged sections of societye.g. MNREGA, Pension Schemes, PDS, Palanhar, ICDS, Swacch Bharat, Jan DhanYojna, PradhanMantriUjjwalYojna etc.

Socio –economic context:This block characterises a state of extreme backwardness and deprivation. People migrate to nearby areas, especially to Gujarat and Mumbai, in search of work. The practice of untouchability is widespread. Most villages have no transportation facilities. There are no industries which might provide employment to the people. The drinking water facilitiesare poor and there is excessive quantity of fluoride in water which results in sickness and disfigurement. Only 14.5 percent females are part of the workforce. 67.65 percent women have no work at all and fall in the category of non-workers. Amongst workers also, a large proportion of women serve as agricultural labourers.

Educational scenario:The overall literacy rate inDesuri block is 51%, 68 % for males and 35% for females. Gender gap in literacy is a massive 33%.The number of primary schools is 200, including 165 government schools and 35 private schools. 16.8% of schools are single teacher schools. The dropout rate at the primary level is 38.4% which increases to 65.8% at the upper primary level. Girls' dropout rate is 42.4% at the primary level and 76.9% at the upper primary level. This shows that a large majority of girls leave school before completing an education up to grade VIII.

Health Indicators:The status of health in the block is as problematic as in most other parts of rural Rajasthan. Infant mortality rate in the block is as high as 97 per 1000 live births in comparison to 87 per 1000 live births in the state. The mean age of marriage is 16.4 years, and 41.9% girls are married between the age of 15-17 years. 23.4% are married even before attaining the age of 15 years.